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Accelerometers vs Gyroscopes
About Symmetry Electronics
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies.
Exponential Technology Group Member
Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.
Ever wonder how your smartphone knows you’re tilting it, how a drone hovers perfectly in place, or how motion-controlled games feel so responsive?
Tiny sensors called accelerometers and gyroscopes are working behind the scenes, detecting every move, rotation, and orientation with incredible precision, even in the most advanced devices.
For engineers, developers, and anyone in IoT or robotics, understanding how these sensors function is essential for designing reliable systems. Accelerometers track linear motion and acceleration, while gyroscopes measure rotational movement. By combining accelerometers and gyroscopes, devices can track motion with remarkable accuracy in real time.
Accelerometers and Linear Motion Explained
An accelerometer is a sensor that measures acceleration caused by changes in linear motion, which is essentially motion along a straight line. The term “acceleration” can be misleading, as most people think of speeding up. Accelerometers detect proper acceleration, meaning the motion of an object relative to free fall or inertia.
Simply put, accelerometers measure how an object moves forward, backward, up, down, or side to side. For example, fitness trackers monitor steps and motion along a straight line using accelerometers.
Types of Accelerometers
- 1-axis: Detect motion along a single direction.
- 2-axis: Measures motion along two directions.
- 3-axis: Tracks motion in three-dimensional space, giving a complete picture of linear motion and linear acceleration.
These sensors are used in a wide range of applications, from anti-theft devices that detect unauthorized movement to liftgate motion detectors and vehicle telematics for insurance tracking, where real-time motion data is valuable. Accelerometers are effective at measuring linear movement and helping determine orientation, though they aren’t as effective for detecting angular motion.
Utilizing Gyroscopes for Rotational Motion
A gyroscope measures angular motion, or how fast an object is rotating around an axis. This makes gyroscopes essential for applications that require real-time rotational information and stability in environments with vibration or magnetic fields. Angular velocity helps systems monitor stability, orientation, and rotation, which is critical for aircraft navigation, gaming controllers, and smartphone features like image stabilization and panoramic photos. For instance, gyroscopes keep drone flights stable and VR headsets responsive.
While accelerometers indicate orientation, gyroscopes provide precise rotation data without delays, making them essential when exact motion tracking is needed.
Combining Accelerometers and Gyroscopes: 6 Degrees of Freedom (6 DoF)
In many applications, using one type of sensor isn’t enough for full motion tracking. That’s where combining a 3-axis accelerometer with a 3-axis gyroscope comes in. They provide six degrees of freedom (6 DoF), tracking linear movement along three axes and rotational movement around three axes, giving a complete picture of an object’s position and orientation in 3D space.
Combined 3-axis accelerometers and gyroscopes enable robotic arms to move precisely in 3D space or VR headsets to track head motion in six degrees of freedom. This combination offers highly accurate motion and orientation data, which is critical for devices that need precise positioning, like drones, robotics, and advanced IoT systems. By using accelerometers and gyroscopes together, designers can achieve the kind of accuracy and responsiveness that modern devices demand.
Motion Sensor Solutions for Real-World Designs
Selecting an optimal motion-aware sensor solution depends on your application’s requirements, including the type of motion involved and the level of precision needed.
| Sensor Type | Key Differences | Primary Use Case | Common Applications |
| Accelerometer only | Linear motion only; no true rotation tracking | Straight-line movement and basic orientation | Step counters, tilt detection in smartphones, basic robotics |
| Gyroscope only | Measures rotation; may drift over time | Rotational motion and rapid orientation changes | Drones, gaming controllers, aircraft navigation, image stabilization |
| Accelerometer + Gyroscope | Linear + rotational data; 6-DoF | Full 3D motion and precise orientation tracking | VR/AR, autonomous systems, advanced robotics |
Motion Sensor Solutions Now Available at Braemac Americas
Braemac Americas is committed to helping developers confidently achieve their engineering goals. From accelerometers and gyroscopes to integrated sensor modules, our comprehensive portfolio includes best-in-class motion sensing solutions purpose-built to deliver reliable motion and orientation tracking needed for IoT, robotics, and other advanced applications.
TDK InvenSense IAM-20380
The TDK InvenSense IAM-20380 is a 3-axis gyroscope designed for automotive applications, delivering precise rotational motion tracking in a compact 3 × 3 × 0.75 mm package. Its integrated FIFO reduces serial bus traffic and supports low-power operation. Factory-calibrated sensors, programmable digital filters, an embedded temperature sensor, and I²C/SPI interfaces simplify system integration, while the HT grade-2 variant provides a larger FIFO for non-safety applications. IAM-20380 solutions are optimal in navigation systems, liftgate detection, camera stabilization, and vehicle-to-vehicle positioning.
TDK InvenSense IAM-20381
The IAM-20381 is a 3-axis automotive accelerometer from TDK InvenSense that delivers precise motion tracking while simplifying system integration. It features an integrated FIFO that reduces serial bus traffic and supports low-power operation, with the HT grade-2 variant adding a larger FIFO for non-safety applications.
Factory-calibrated sensors, programmable digital filters, an embedded temperature sensor, and I²C/SPI interfaces ensure reliable performance. The IAM-20381 is ideal for navigation, camera stabilization, telematics, and vehicle tracking applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are motion sensors and how are they used in modern applications?
Motion sensors are devices that detect movement, orientation, or position, and they are widely used in modern applications such as IoT devices, robotics, consumer electronics, and industrial systems. Accelerometers and gyroscopes enable real-time motion detection and orientation tracking across many sensor applications.
Motion sensors are devices that detect movement, orientation, or position, and they are widely used in modern applications such as IoT devices, robotics, consumer electronics, and industrial systems. Accelerometers and gyroscopes enable real-time motion detection and orientation tracking across many sensor applications.
What is the difference between an accelerometer and a gyroscope?
The difference between an accelerometer and a gyroscope is the type of motion each sensor measures. An accelerometer measures linear motion and linear acceleration, while a gyroscope measures rotational motion or angular movement around an axis.
The difference between an accelerometer and a gyroscope is the type of motion each sensor measures. An accelerometer measures linear motion and linear acceleration, while a gyroscope measures rotational motion or angular movement around an axis.
When should you use a 3-axis motion sensor?
You should use a 3-axis motion sensor when motion needs to be tracked in three-dimensional space. A 3-axis accelerometer measures linear motion along three axes, while a 3-axis gyroscope tracks rotational motion, enabling accurate orientation tracking.
You should use a 3-axis motion sensor when motion needs to be tracked in three-dimensional space. A 3-axis accelerometer measures linear motion along three axes, while a 3-axis gyroscope tracks rotational motion, enabling accurate orientation tracking.
What does 6 Degrees of Freedom (6 DoF) mean in motion sensing?
6 Degrees of Freedom (6 DoF) in motion sensing refers to tracking movement along three linear axes and rotation around three axes. This is achieved by combining a 3-axis accelerometer with a 3-axis gyroscope to provide a complete picture of position and orientation.
6 Degrees of Freedom (6 DoF) in motion sensing refers to tracking movement along three linear axes and rotation around three axes. This is achieved by combining a 3-axis accelerometer with a 3-axis gyroscope to provide a complete picture of position and orientation.
Why are accelerometers and gyroscopes often combined in IoT sensors?
Accelerometers and gyroscopes are often combined in IoT sensors to improve accuracy for real-time motion detection and orientation tracking. Accelerometers handle linear motion, while gyroscopes provide precise rotational data, reducing errors in sensor applications.
Accelerometers and gyroscopes are often combined in IoT sensors to improve accuracy for real-time motion detection and orientation tracking. Accelerometers handle linear motion, while gyroscopes provide precise rotational data, reducing errors in sensor applications.
How do I choose the right motion sensor for my application?
Choosing the right motion sensor depends on the type of movement and level of precision your application requires. Accelerometers are typically used for linear motion, gyroscopes for rotational motion, and combined 3-axis sensors provide full 6 DoF tracking for advanced IoT and robotics applications. Braemac Americas can help engineers evaluate these options and select the right sensors for their specific design needs.
Choosing the right motion sensor depends on the type of movement and level of precision your application requires. Accelerometers are typically used for linear motion, gyroscopes for rotational motion, and combined 3-axis sensors provide full 6 DoF tracking for advanced IoT and robotics applications. Braemac Americas can help engineers evaluate these options and select the right sensors for their specific design needs.
About Symmetry Electronics
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies.
Exponential Technology Group Member
Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.
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